If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat with this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender orzo pasta swimming in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, perfectly spiced and enriched with savory ground beef and fragrant herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder with a rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavors that feel both familiar and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe never fails to impress with its hearty yet elegant appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each element plays a crucial role—the ground beef adds richness and protein, the orzo brings a tender bite, and the tomato cream sauce wraps everything in comforting warmth and color.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and imparting a subtle fruity base flavor.
- Ground beef: Use lean or regular beef according to preference for meaty heartiness.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Gives the dish aromatic warmth and a bit of kick.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that awakens the palate.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a fresh, tangy base full of natural sweetness and acidity.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the orzo moist and tender.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the tomato cream sauce perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature velvety richness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal aroma and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef along with diced yellow onion, cooking them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor with the richness of the beef and the mellow sweetness of the onions.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let these cook for about a minute until fragrant. This short sauté is key to releasing the fresh, vibrant aromas that elevate the whole dish.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Next, add the tomato paste and cook it for another minute, stirring constantly. This step intensifies the tomato flavor, making sure your sauce will have that deep, rich color and a slightly sweet complexity.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are little flavor goldmines that give your sauce extra character. Mix everything well, creating the base for the orzo to cook in.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Add the dry orzo directly to the sauce. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the orzo absorbs the savory tomato broth, becoming perfectly tender without being mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting everything meld into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to make sure the flavors pop just right.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley along with extra parmesan. This final touch adds brightness, freshness, and a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley on top for a burst of herbal freshness and color. Add an extra handful of grated parmesan for richness and a savory finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty main on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some lightly sautéed garlic spinach complements the creamy orzo perfectly. Crusty bread is also a fantastic choice to soak up every last bit of that delicious tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls for a cozy family-style meal or make elegant individual servings in ramekins for a dinner party. Garnishing with edible flowers or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the orzo absorbs the sauce over time, you might find the texture a bit thicker after chilling, but it reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-friendly container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the dish feels too thick or dry. Stir occasionally to revive the creamy tomato sauce and ensure everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. The cooking time remains similar, though the flavor will be slightly milder, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To get closer to the original texture, try stirring in a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone if you have it on hand.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free version of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, look for gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook and assemble almost everything up to the step before adding cream and cheese. Refrigerate the base sauce and orzo mixture, then finish with cream and cheese just before serving for a fresher taste.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred heat level. Without them, the dish is gently seasoned and not spicy at all, making it family-friendly and perfect for all tastes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and just ridiculously satisfying. Whether it becomes your weeknight staple or a special weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Enjoy cooking and even more, enjoy every delicious bite!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth, finished with creamy parmesan and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to develop flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring thoroughly to blend it with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add Liquids: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Orzo: Add uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley along with extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred level of heat.
- Be sure to stir occasionally during orzo cooking to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, adjusting the amount as needed.
